Who is Your Doctor? Introduction to Gospel according to Luke

Since the birth of our first grandchild, Josiah, to our daughter Katie and her husband Michael, I have been thinking a lot about our children’s pediatrician—Dr. Bernie Brown. We moved to Poulsbo, Washington when Katie was a one-month old newborn. She needed monthly check-ups and fortunately we had health insurance through Dewyane’s work. I can’t remember how we picked Dr. Brown, I think God picked him for us. It might have been because his practice at the North Kitsap Medical Center was near our home. However it happened, it turned out to be the greatest blessing and exactly what our family needed.

Dr. Bernie Brown (photo: harrisonmedical.netreturns.biz) was a stickler for details and always leaned towards caution. When, at age two, Katie pulled hot meatloaf drippings onto her upper body, Dr. Brown saw her everyday for a week. He scraped her blisters to help avoid infection and scarring. He slathered her in Silvadene cream and bandaged her arm and chest to keep her pain free. On the morning after our second child, Jesse, was born, Dr. Brown came to the hospital for his initial check-up. He found Jesse was listless and his temperature was lower than expected. Dr. Brown suspected Jesse had ingested maternal fluid that was making him sick. After probing questions of our delivery team, we learned Jesse’s head had indeed dropped into the liquid at birth—basically, Jesse had almost drowned in his own maternal fluid. When our third child, Taylor came into the world, Dr. Brown kept him in hospital under ultra-violet lights for several days because his Billy Ruben count was too high. Taylor insisted on seeing Dr. Brown even into his high school years. Dr. Brown made sure our children were immunized at the proper age. He tracked their weight and measurements to make sure they were progressing within normal healthy ranges. He treated our children for everything from croup to recurring chicken pox (Taylor), to stitches for a severely cut lip (Katie), to a serious concussion (Jesse), to adolescent acne (all three kids). Dr. Brown did not just treat our children’s physical ailments, on many occasions he offered me wise counsel on emotional and spiritual challenges. He taught me about boundaries for discipline, and later would ask my children how they were doing in these areas as well. Dr. Brown did what a good doctor was supposed to do. He paid attention to the details. He kept orderly records, and was precise in all of his treatments. He was a reliable doctor to our children and a reliable source of information, help and encouragement for us as parents.

The writer of the Gospel according to Luke was also a doctor. He wrote a detailed, orderly and precise account of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke was a caring friend with the heart of a missionary. The Apostle Paul referred to Luke as the beloved physician—(Colossians 4:14). Paul wrote to Timothy, saying Luke was the only one who remained during Paul's imprisonment, loyal and constant when others deserted him—(2 Timothy 4:11). Luke was a well-educated gentile convert, who had full command of the Greek language. His writings are said to employ the most exacting Greek of any of the Gospel writers. Luke was a scholar, a doctor and a loyal friend.

Luke wrote this Gospel account, and the book of Acts, in letter form to his friend Theophilus--a common Greek name, which translated means "friend of God." Luke's use of "most excellent" in his greeting, was a common way of addressing people in authority. It is believed Theophilus was a real person, in a significant position of authority, who had come to believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

In this beautifully written paragraph Luke explains the "who, what, when, where and why" of his writing project. Editors of non-fiction (true stories) always want to know who you are writing for, what do you want the reader to learn or to take away, when and where did the events take place, and why are you qualified to write this book. If this was the first paragraph of Luke’s query letter for a publisher, all those questions would be covered and answered well.

Luke had the qualifications to write this book because he had followed these things closely for some time past, (Luke 1:3). He had interviewed eyewitnesses, (2 Peter 1L16). He listened and received their message, (1 John 1:1-4). He had done his research as a ministry partner of Paul the Apostle, and because his education and perhaps nature lent themselves to order and precision, he declares the writing to be an orderly account. This Gospel was not something Luke penned in a few hours of early morning delirium. It is possible it may have taken him up to two years and was perhaps completed as he remained with the Apostle during Paul's Roman imprisonment. Luke was convinced and passionate about his subject. Also, he desired to fill a perceived need for the reader. He wanted Theophilus to be certain concerning the things he had been taught and had come to believe. This book, had it been put into a proposal and sent to a book publisher today, would have met the criteria for publication.

I get excited every time I read this Gospel written by Luke, a Greek scholar, a practicing doctor, a faithful missionary and caring friend, whose greatest concern was for recording the accuracy of the things which contributed to the growing faith in Jesus Christ, of his most excellent friend.

I hope you are reading and being convinced or made certain of what you already know is true--Jesus is the Christ, the only Son of God, Messiah and King.